Unshackled from your own chains -

The redemption of the Lord is not a one-time event at that occurred at salvation. The Lord continually redeems His people as life unfolds. As the enemy continually tries to drag the people of God backward, sideways and under, the Lord continually rushes to help His people when they cry to Him. “Let the redeemed of the Lord speak out!” the Psalmist wrote. (Psalm 107:2) Praise the Lord! Your praise holds the power of testimony to all who need to hear it! He has redeemed you through Jesus Christ, but don’t stop there! Praise the Lord continually because He will continually redeem you when you cry – even if you’re the one that got yourself into trouble in the first place!

[This is part 2 of an eye-opening series from Psalm 107 about four conditions of redemption God’s people experience throughout our lives and through this series you will see what you, yourself, have walked through and – I hope – your eyes will be awakened to remembrance and newness in how you praise and thank the Lord for what He has done for you!]

Your situation…

“Some sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being prisoners in affliction and irons, because they rebelled against the words of God and rejected the counsel of the Most High. Therefore He brought down their hearts with hard labor; they fell down, and there was none to help…”

Even Christians make mistakes! In fact, your battle against the flesh will never end until “the day of Jesus Christ”, when He perfects that which concerns you (Psalm 138:8) and brings into completion the work that He started in you. (Philippians 1:6) And so? “Some sit in darkness… being prisoners in affliction… because they rebelled against the words of God and rejected the counsel of the Most High.” Do you realize this was written about the people of God? You cannot rebel against someone you don’t serve!

As the enemy continually tries to drag the people of God backward, sideways and under, the Lord continually rushes to help His people when they cry to Him.

Paul wrote THIS to Timothy about CHRISTIANS, “In the last days perilous times will come. Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, slanderers, unrestrained, fierce, despisers of those who are good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying its power..” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) So…. your own rebellion has ensnared you and in your life you sit in chains, or God has allowed you to experience the natural consequences of your rebellious actions. NOW WHAT?

Your redemption…

“…Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke apart their bonds…” (Psalm 107:13-14) Hebrews 12:5-10 says, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves…” Whatever the Lord needs to do restore you from your rebellion, let Him do it. Swallow your pride, admit your rebellious thoughts, attitudes, and actions, humble yourself and fall down at the feet of Jesus.

[Read Part 1 of this series: “Waymaker in the Wasteland”]

“A broken and contrite heart,” is what He is looking for. If you’ve ever wandered away, following your own desires, your own dreams, your own wisdom, your own flesh – you are in rebellion against God and His way. Life will eventually show you all of its ugly if you insist on looking in that direction instead of at the Lord. If you’re trapped in the chains of your rebellion, you may not realize how far God will go to bring you back but…. He wants to redeem you once again! Through Jesus Christ, you were redeemed, but if you need that again- CRY OUT. David wrote this, “When I said, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, held me up.” (Psalm 94:18) Whatever it is, He can handle it and wants to redeem you from your chains, even if, in your rebellion, you locked them onto yourself.

Your response….

“Let them praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the people!” (Psalm 107:15) Yes, though rebellion, the people of God re-shackle themselves to the chains that Jesus Christ broke, but God is so long-suffering, patient and kind that He will help you once again. He understands your weakness, your flesh, your rebellion and though you may be experiencing the “hard labor” of the heart, know this: You can never be so far from God that prayer, the Word of God and praise can’t help. NEVER. God isn’t mad at you. That is a lie from Satan to disconnect you from the Lord. God loves you. Praise Him, thank Him, exalt Him. There’s nothing you’ll ever do to deserve His love so stop trying! Stop counting yourself unworthy, when Jesus paid the ultimate price so you could be!! WORSHIP THE LORD, even as you wear the chains of your own making. Cry out. “For He has broken the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron in two.” Worship will break the chains you’ve bound yourself with through the power of a vital, vibrant connection with the Almighty God! (Read Psalm 18:6-19)